Chaldean Patriarch Mar Louis Sako Discusses Promising Beginnings in Relations with Other Syriac Churches

Patriarch of the Chaldean Church Mar Louis Raphaël I Sako opened the 2025 Synod of the Chaldean Church on 17 November with morning prayer and Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal See in Al-Mansour district, Baghdad. In his address to the gathered bishops, he covered a range of topics, including leadership, spiritual self-examination, the crisis of vocations, and relations with Muslim authorities, the Iraqi government, and other Churches.

The Chaldean Church, once part of the Church of the East, separated to seek communion with the Latin Church, commonly known as the Roman Catholic Church. Despite full communion with the Latin Church, the Chaldean Church maintains the Syriac Rite and uses the Syriac language in its liturgy. Other Churches with the Syriac Rite include the Ancient Church of the East, the Assyrian Church of the East, the Syriac Maronite Church, the Syriac Orthodox Church, and the Syriac Catholic Church.

In May 2022, unsuccessful negotiations sought to reunite the Ancient Church of the East and the Assyrian Church of the East, with the Chaldean Church not participating. Later that year, in December, the patriarchs of the Syriac Rite Churches convened at the Syriac Orthodox patriarchal seat in Lebanon. Patriarch Sako participated via video, marking the first time in 1,500 years that Syriac patriarchs met outside the broader framework of ecumenism. They discussed “the substance of the Syriac cause,” as Dr. Amine Iskander noted.

However, no follow-up meetings occurred between the patriarchs of the Syriac Rite Churches. In his address to the Chaldean Synod, Patriarch Sako mentioned recent in-person meetings with patriarchs of the Syriac Orthodox, Assyrian Church of the East, and Syriac Catholic Churches. He expressed hope that these interactions would mark a “promising beginning.”

He acknowledged the current challenges, stating that the issue stems from a lack of sincere collaboration while respecting each Church’s autonomy. He emphasized his efforts to bring Churches together, yet meetings have not materialized due to political loyalties or fears of losing influence. Relationships, he said, must grow from mutual respect and shared purpose.

The Syriac Rite Churches, though historically united, face ongoing challenges in fostering unity. Patriarch Sako’s efforts reflect a commitment to dialogue and collaboration, even as obstacles persist. His words echo the biblical call to seek peace and unity, as seen in Romans 12:18, which encourages striving for peace with all.

The Chaldean Church’s role in these discussions highlights its position as a bridge between the Syriac Rite Churches and the broader Catholic tradition. As the Church continues to navigate internal and external challenges, its leadership remains focused on fostering relationships grounded in faith and mutual respect.

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